Marriage Course - August 20, 2012

Day 4 - The Third and Fourth Seasons of Marriage - Autumn and Winter

Autumn
• season of richness and maturity-reaping
• the benefits of what has gone before
• marriage more established having weathered tough times
• may be teenagers in the house
• emotionally the most exhausting stage of parenting
• the greatest need is to support and encourage each other

Winter
• empty-nest stage for many
• probably fewer demands with an opportunity for more time together
• can be the most exciting stage of marriage
• the greatest needs are shared interests and good communication

Question:Reflect on what you've heard so far. If you are in one of these seasons, talk together about the pressures you've worked through until now in your relationship, and the pressures you're currently facing. If you’re not here yet, what do you think it will be like?

From Series: "Marriage"

Study Guide

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Make marriage time a commitment that you stick to every week. It should take priority over other demands such as work, going out with friends. playing sports, and even parenting.

Protect this time from interruptions and distractions such as the telephone, the computer, visitors, the television, and long working hours.

Tell your partner what have been the most special times you have shared together as a couple. Be  specific. Explain why they were special to you.